cce connections

In ThIs Issue:

Pottery program returns with new creativity, energy and buzz to CCE

Distance Learning Division manages big role in nursing program collaboration

ESL students lend a hand to local families

Homecoming at the College Avenue Campus

Continuing education filling void around the globe

New study permit policy triggers certificate program enrolment among international students

SIHL success results in new ELIS program, partnership

Q & A with Sophie Bouffard, Conservatory Division Head

Tell us your story...by Helen Martin

Centre forContinuing Education

Pottery program returns with new creativity, energy and buzz to CCEIt’s a messy art and people go crazy for it. The new pottery program is the latest addition to CCE which includes

classes for kids, teens and adults who have an interest in working with clay and creating funky functional art on

the pottery wheel.

What is it about pottery that gets people so energetic about taking a class? Could it be the hands-on creativity

of making funky functional art? Is it learning all those interesting artistic skills - throwing clay, moulding it into

a creative masterpiece, painting, glazing? Or maybe it’s just about having a fun time trying something new and

interesting with friends and people from the community.

Past students are buzzing over the news that the pottery program has returned home to CCE where it resided for

many years back in the 70’s. Fyola Lorenzen, current Seniors’ University Group President, is very happy about

CCE CONNECTIONSRealize.CCE Connections Volume IV Issue IICentre for Continuing Education november 2011

Centre forContinuing Education

September arrived with the usual flurry of activities. Fall registra-tions have been strong in all areas of our programming.

We welcome back all our new and return-ing instructors. All are accomplished in their fields, and more importantly, are com-mitted to our students’ success. Because of our flexible options, the pro-grams we offer can be a part of many lifelong learn-ers’ plans for personal and professional growth.

In October the University of Regina hosted its first Alumni Homecoming! As 2011 also marks the cen-tennial of Regina College, the Homecoming was an excellent opportunity for the extended community of the University of Regina to honour the past and celebrate the present through tours and events held at the historic College Avenue Campus.

From the first 27 students who began their educa-tion here in 1911, many of the over 58,000 alumni have also studied and pursued their love of learning either at the historic campus or through the many outreach and extension programs that continue to be offered through the Centre for Continuing Educa-tion.

The College Avenue campus has been the home for much of the Centre’s programs and commu-nity activities. Now that the initiative to revitalize the College Avenue Campus is underway, it serves as a reminder of the University’s commitment to continue to build for the future of our students and community.

Realize. How far we’ve come.

Dr. Harvey KingDirector, Centre for Continuing Education

From the Director

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continued from page 1

the news. “The pottery

studio is returning to the

College Avenue Campus

and I’m very pleased and

excited!”

Fyola took up pottery in

the old basement studio,

when the College of Fine

Arts was housed here

back in 1977 when she

was granted a sabbatical.

“In those days, part of the

purpose of this leave was

for the person to be able to

rejuvenate his or herself professionally and personally. The

pottery studio in the basement of the College Avenue Cam-

pus was to be my relaxation,” says Fyola. “We were intro-

duced to almost everything there was to know about pottery,

kneading the clay, throwing, mixing glazes, using the kiln

and many other skills.”

The buzz and excitement about the pottery program is

spreading within the community. Connie Novitski, Market-

ing and Communications Analyst for CCE, had talked about

the program with friends this past summer. “Whenever I tell

someone about our new pottery program, their eyes light

up and they start asking a bunch of questions because, like

lots of people I know, they’ve always wanted to try a pottery

class.”

CCE is very excited to

see the new pottery

studio buzzing with chil-

dren, teens and adults

rolling up their sleeves

and getting messy for a

fun and creative learning

experience.

For program information, visit www.uregina.ca/cce.

Centre for Continuing Education november 2011

The Faculty of Nursing is officially up and running and staff at the Distance Learning Division are running even faster behind the scenes developing and maintaining the Faculty’s blended and online course delivery.

The Distance Learning Division is involved in the collabo-ration between SIAST and the U of R to offer a joint Bach-elor of Science in Nursing. Brenda Hackl, Instructional Designer; Myra Zubot-Mitchell, Instructional Designer; and Darcy Donovan, Graphic Designer (pictured right to left), work directly with the Faculty and SIAST.

They provide the Faculty of Nursing with technology based learning and support to three new faculty members and indirect support to some 50 SIAST instructors. They develop and deliver approximately five courses per se-mester through a variety of delivery methods (blended, face-to-face off campus, online, televised, etc).

On the surface, most people wouldn’t think too much about the work that goes into making online and blended courses and mobile device apps run smoothly each semester. Taking a closer look reveals the com-plex and vital role filled by the distance learning team.

“Developing online and distance courses requires the application of design elements along with integration of technology in tandem with instructional strategy design,” says Darcy. “An assessment of technology re-quirements (online, video, podcast, etc.) takes place as the course content is developed for specific delivery modes. The course is visually branded to match the desired ‘look’ for the nursing program.”

In addition to course development, they have spent time training SIAST and U of R faculty on the use of UR Courses and embedding courses for mobile device use. This has been a joint venture with the Technology Learning Centre training staff and with Rob Keys, E-Learning Coordinator for Nursing. “Training and ongoing support is critical in our role to ensure faculty can focus on teaching rather than trouble-shooting technol-ogy,” says Brenda.

A new and interesting type of technology based learning and information sharing they have undertaken is mobile device learning. Every nursing student is required to have a mobile device such as an iPhone or Android phone from which they can access their course materials and textbooks as well as interact with in-structors. The use of mobile technology will continue to grow since it has become popular for use in bedside nursing care. Getting students accustomed to using mobile devices throughout their program will prepare them for this style of care when they graduate and begin their careers.

“The first year will be interesting and a learning opportunity for us,” says Brenda. “With continuous change in how nursing courses are delivered, our role will continue to evolve.”

Distance Learning Division manages big role in nursing program collaboration

3Centre for Continuing Education november 2011

4

ESL students lend a hand to local families


University of Regina English as a Second Language (ESL) students participated in a cultural experience that will make a big difference for deserving families in our community. As part of the pilot Lan-guage in Action Program, sixteen students (the majority from Konan Women’s University in Japan) traded in their pencils for hammers to help Habitat for Humanity build homes in Regina. “The pilot Language in Action Program enables international stu-dents not only to learn English but also to participate in our culture,” said Therese Gerrond, (acting) Division Head of the ESL Program at the University of Regina. “The two-week program is a unique op-

portunity for students to apply their English in real-life situations while immersing themselves in very important projects, such as building Habitat homes.” “We welcome these students with open arms to a Habitat for Humanity Regina job site and we recognize that the Japanese people have actively embraced Habitat for Humanity across the world in the last few years through our Global Village Program,” said Trish Bezborotko, Director of Fund Development and Communications with Habitat for Humanity Regina. “Habitat for Humanity is very active in Japan right now rebuilding homes in the most affected regions following the devastating earthquake at the beginning of the year. It’s wonderful to see how countries can work together to help deserving families achieve home-ownership.”

After seven successful years of the Saskatchewan Institute of Health Leader-ship (SIHL), a new program has emerged - The Education Leadership Insti-tute of Saskatchewan (ELIS).

ELIS is the result of a new partnership between Business & Professional Development (BPD) and the Saskatchewan Association of School Business Officials (SASBO). BPD brings its experience delivering industry specific lead-ership programs like SIHL to this new program.

This six-month program is geared toward SASBO employees and those who work in and around education who are looking to develop skills in leadership. The program is proactive and forward thinking as it will address SASBO’s anticipated leadership deficit in the education industry by investing in the leadership skills of its members.

The program will engage students through hands-on, practical means, team-based training and a well established model. Students will learn leadership theory and practice within an education context as well as teamwork skills, coaching and mentoring, community development, education delivery methods and policy practice.

ELIS will be launched on January 9 with a five-day opening retreat.

SIHL success results in new ELIS program, partnership


Continuing education is becoming increasingly popular in Canada. Everything from pottery to professional leadership is being taught at universities across the country, and an associate professor of economics at the University of Regina is the president of the Canadian Association for University Continuing Education (CAUCE).

Harvey King, who also serves as the director of the Centre for Continuing Education at the University, was appointed to the national position earlier this summer. In a recent interview, King said that continuing education fills a void for students around the globe.

“I’d say the common measure of them all is they are very non-traditional students. We’re sort of outside that norm of age 18 to 25 taking classes from nine to five.”

“For example in Regina, we have continuing educations stu-dents who are as young as one and as old as 92,” he said.

“I taught an online course in economics last year, and had one student in Taiwan, another in Switzerland and one up in La Ronge, and a whole bunch who were in Regina,” said King, who has taught at the University for 24 years. “Typically we will have programs for ESL students, we will have distance and online programs, we will have non-credit programs in things like project management leadership, etc.”

King views his role as president of the CAUCE as being an advocate for his close to 45 institutional mem-bers across Canada. The association will hold its annual meeting in Saskatoon next May.

The majority of the University of Regina’s continuing education courses are taught at the College Avenue Campus. Built in 1911, the campus is in need of a facelift. King says an ongoing $67-million College Av-enue revitalization project would provide a huge boost to the Centre for Continuing Education.

“We could certainly increase the capabilities that we have in terms of delivering more programs to more people. Right now, we are at our outer edge for usable space.”

In operation since 1954, the Canadian Association for University Continuing Education “seeks to foster professionalism in program development, management and administration; to stimulate and disseminate creative ways to provide programs that continue to meet with the ever changing cultural and vocational needs of adults; and to help strengthen the position of its members within their institutional settings and in society at large.”

*Article by Communications - External Relations, U of R*

Continuing education filling void around the globe

6 Centre for Continuing Education november 2011

New study permit policy triggers certificate program enrolment among international students

There has been a rapid influx of international student enrolment in the Credit Studies Divi-sion’s certificate programs thanks to study- and work- permit policy changes made by Citizen-ship and Immigration Canada.

The new changes have opened up more doors to students who want to study and work in Canada. International students no longer need to enrol di-rectly into an undergraduate or graduate degree and can now come to Canada and begin their studies on a smaller scale with certificate and diploma programs.

This Fall semester, 16 international students enrolled in a certificate program as their primary program of study. There is a strong mix of stu-dents from around the globe including Pakistan, Zambia, India, England, Bangledesh, Jamaica, Belarus and the US.

Students from India have been quite keen on taking the Public Relations Certificate. Robin Markel, Program Coordi-nator for the Credit Studies Division, has received many inquiries from potential students in India asking about the PR program. Many international students are also enrolled in the Certificate in Administration Level I and Level II.

International students have been on the Credit Studies Divi-sion’s radar for the past couple of years, but recruiting them was difficult given the past study- and work- permit restric-tions. This change has given the Credit Studies Division the ability to promote their programs to this student group as a great way to start a university career.

Robin sees a great opportunity for student growth. “We saw the potential for international students to benefit from our programs even before this policy change happened. When international student applications started trickling in, we quickly realized that not only could we provide international students with unique opportunities but also that our programs stood to benefit from new perspectives international students bring into the classroom. We plan to continually find new ways of promoting our programs to international students to keep enrolment growing.”


Sophie Bouffard, born and raised in Quebec City, has dedicated the majority of her life to music as a soprano. She studied at Laval University as well as in Belgium and has toured across Canada and many parts of Europe including Portugal, France, Belgium, Poland, Ukraine and Lithuania.

She completed her Ph.D. in Musicology at the U of R in 2011, taught several courses for the Music Department, served as Voice Department Head at the Conservatory of Performing Arts from 2006 to 2009 and most recently began her new role as Division Head of the Conservatory of Performing Arts this past August.

Q. Sophie, welcome to Continuing Education. What are your first impressions of your new role and of the Conservatory from this new perspective as Division Head?

A. The Conservatory of Performing Arts has a long and distinguished history of being vital to the arts in Regina and on the provincial level. I am inspired by the reputation of excellence this institution has established over the years, so I’m thrilled to return to the Conservatory to take on this new posi-tion. After a few days in the office, I realize I have the opportunity of leading a new team of dynamic and engaged staff members. The beginning of my appointment also coincides with the start of a new academic year; it is quite stimulating to welcome back the instructors and to meet the students and their parents.

Q. What exciting vision and ideas do you have in mind for the future of the Conservatory?

A. My first response is to continue the tradition of excellence that the Conservatory of Performing Arts has estab-lished over the last 100 years. This place has so much potential! Some of my plans for the near future include rebuilding the choir program as well as expanding the areas of theatre and dance. I hope the vision I have for this place will be contagious. I want the U of R Conservatory of Performing Arts to become a vibrant institution, a leader in performing arts education, which offers all generations of southern Saskatchewan residents access to art and culture. This includes basic music instruction, dance, theatre and speech arts, and fosters a better apprecia-tion of the value of art and its crucial role in building stronger communities and enhancing our quality of life.

Q. 2012 will be the 100th Anniversary of the Conservatory. What can the community expect over the upcoming year?

A. The U of R is celebrating its centennial this year and the Conservatory of Performing Arts will be doing the same in 2012. Music has always been a part of the curriculum at this university. In a way, the Conservatory is a symbol of the U of R’s commitment to the people of Saskatchewan, especially as it provides high quality, acces-sible education that fosters creativity and continuous learning, and above all, promotes the pursuit of excellence. So of course, you should expect celebrations; 100 years is a milestone for any institution! The program will be finalized in the next couple months and we invite everyone to join us for these celebrations.

Watch for centennial events and activities at www.uregina.ca/cce/conservatory.

Q & A with Sophie Bouffard, Conservatory Division Head

CCE Connections is published by the Centre for Continuing Education, University of Regina three times per year. We welcome your comments and suggestions. Content may be reprinted with permission and appropriate credit to the Centre for Continuing Education.

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Conservatory of Performing ArtsSophie Bouffard Division HeadAlison Tkach SecretaryBeth Miller Secretary

Credit studies DivisionGary Morin Division HeadDianna Medea Secretary

business & Professional DevelopmentLee Cherkas Business Development Consultant

Lifelong Learning CentrePamela Holbrow Secretary/Facilities Assistant

english as a second LanguageCarmen Rollins ReceptionistRobert Turtle HomeStay Coordinator

Western Administrators and Promotion specialists in university Continuing education (WAPsuCe) 2011 ConferenceNovember 3 & 4Ramada HotelRegina, SK

International volunteer Day Celebration & Christmas TeaThu, December 81:30-3:30pmLifelong Learning CentreGallery Building, Room 106585-5816

For information on any programs and courses mentioned in CCe Connections: uregina.ca/cce - 306.585.5801 - [email protected]


Upcoming Events New Staff

Homecoming at the College Avenue Campus

I started taking courses because I wanted to meet people who shared some of my interests. Personal enrichment courses provide an opportunity to join discussions and I have learned so much from some of the people who speak up and talk about their life experiences. This is why personal enrichment courses are my favourite ones. They give me a chance to learn about the ways in which others cope with problems from the past or the present. The class members are friendly and accepting of me.

My favourite instructor is Paul Antrobus. He manages to keep the whole class involved in very interest-ing discussions and most often he can use a lifetime experience to illustrate the topic of discussion. I especially enjoy his zest for life and the twinkle in his eye.

helen martin Lifelong Learning Centre student

During the University of Regina’s Homecoming on October 1, the Centre for Continuing Education hosted events at the College Avenue Campus to more than 100 people with an interest in learning about this historical campus. A lunch, presentations, displays and campus tours were held throughout the afternoon.

Tell us your story...by Helen Martin

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